Former St. John’s Prep three-sport star Max Burt of North Andover heads to Northeastern

Friday

Aug 22, 2014 at 4:05 PMAug 22, 2014 at 4:05 PM

By Joe McConnelljmcconnell@wickedlocal.com

Max Burt was a District 14 Williamsport Little League All-Star champion, and a three-sport star at St. Johnís Prep, where he was a part of the state championship golf team last fall as a senior.But heís also somebody who grew up in North Andover idolizing many who played before him, but today others are looking up to him as a role model, who does it the old-fashioned way with hard work and perseverance.Burtís academic credentials alone would be enough to garner attention from college recruiters. He had a 4.12 grade point average at the Prep, but was also equally proficient on the baseball diamond, where he had earned all-star status with his quick hands and feet that made him a defensive whiz at shortstop and a legitimate top-of-the-order offensive weapon. He batted .323 this past spring, and once he got on base he was a threat to steal.Holy Cross, William & Mary, Villanova and UMass-Lowell were among the suitors standing in line for his services. Northeastern University baseball coach and fellow Merrimack Valley product Mike Glavine was also interested, and in early June Burt accepted a scholarship to the Division 1 school.Burt understands there will be an adjustment period, but being at St. Johnís Prep the last four years established a solid foundation to make the path into the unknown easier."Iíve learned over the years that nothing is given to you, you have to work for it," he said, "and graduating from the Prep has made me ready for college."I want to come in right away, and make an impact on the baseball program at Northeastern," added Burt. "I know nothingís handed to you, but itís going to be fun to tryout. [Glavine] told me to also bring my catcherís equipment for fall ball."Burt is a part-time catcher for his Boston Scorpion AAU summer team, and that versatility will make his dreams that much closer to reality."Iíve grown up playing three sports, but now I can just focus on one all year long," he said. "I know I have to put the work in for a job on this team, and if it takes going to bed early after completing my schoolwork in order to lift [weights] at 6 a.m. so be it. Itís all about working, before having fun to reach my goals."Among his goals is to play in the Cape Cod League, where future Major League prospects go to hone their skills usually in front of a horde of scouts. But for now, heís just looking ahead to fall baseball at Northeastern, and being away from momís home cooking for the first time.The former Eagle will be leaving all the comforts of his North Andover neighborhood for city life on Aug. 30, and just a couple of days later on Sept. 2 heíll be attending his first college baseball team meeting with Coach Glavine.In the meantime, however, he found time to answer the following questions posed by the North Andover Citizen about his experiences as an athlete in his hometown, where it all began for this budding college star.What was it like growing up in North Andover as a young athlete, and the championship teams that you were on?It was great growing up in North Andover with such great athletes. Itís a town of great athletes that had guys I looked up to when I was in middle school.I was on the [District 14] Little League championship team, when I was 12.How far did your Little League team go in the Williamsport Tournament, and what was that experience like as an adolescent?We lost in the state sectional final to Peabody West, who went on to the Little League World Series. It was the best experience of my life, and one that I will remember forever.There were probably about 1,000 people at the game, and itís something I will never forget.Who was most influential in your athletic career to this point?My parents. They are always there for me, and believing in me that I could make it.Was there any doubt that you were going to attend St. Johnís Prep?As a kid, I always wanted to go to the Prep. I really donít know what it was, but I just always wanted to go to the Prep, and it was a great decision for me.What are some Prep moments that you wonít forget in and out of the sports?Winning the state championship in golf in my senior year. Away from playing sports, Iím going to miss just seeing my friends walking up and down the halls. They turned into my brothers over the past four years.What will that transition be like going from high school to college? Any anxieties?Itís definitely going to be different, and hard transitioning from the suburbs to the city. But it is something Iím up for, and want to do. It canít come soon enough.Why did you choose Northeastern University over your other college choices?Itís just a perfect fit for me. It has a great baseball program, and a great business school, and business is what I want to major in, so it is just a perfect fit for me.What are your short-term and long-term goals right now?Short-term is to get to 195-pounds by [next] baseball season. Long-term to win the league [Colonial Athletic Association], and make the [NCAA] tournament. My personal goal is to get drafted.